Shopping for something unique? Check out this new local business
JACKSON, Tenn.,—Life is short, so buy something new! One local business takes the city by storm.
Unique, cool, and different, these are a few words that describe this business. Smith Oddities hosted their grand opening Saturday.
We spoke to the owner, Dustin Smith, who stated that he just wanted to open a place where versatility was accepted.
“A lot of people’s art doesn’t fit in where other people think that it should fit in and if I can provide a space to showcase other artists’ weird macabre art, I want to be able to help with that,” Smith said.
Macabre art, which started around the 15th century, allows artist to explore the darker and mystical side of the universe through the arts.
“Everybody needs to see a little bit of weird in their life and we didn’t have anything like that, so here I am,” Smith said.
Smith, a Jackson native, stated that his business will always be open to everyone.
“It’s always going to be a safe space. A safe space for anybody who wants to come. We also have other artists in here who are going to be able to display their stuff. We’re hoping to expand and even have other artists have their stuff in here,” Smith said.
Some of the artists couldn’t contain their joy, when speaking of Smith and his commitment to letting their voices be heard through art.
“Dustin is probably one of the most hard working people I know. He stands behind his values and he’s a very determined person,” said artist, Jessica Yak.
“I’ve never had my art featured in any place like this before and so Dustin has helped me grow as an individual artist so so much,” said artist, Anna Johnson.
The excitement continued to grow for the artists as the day went on.
“I didn’t know how big of a market there was for macabre art here, so it’s really cool that the misfit oddity community has a place now where artists can come and display their stuff and there’s a crowd for it,” said artist, Raven Moonla.
As the old saying goes, ‘inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.’ It’s evident that Dustin has worked hard and inspires others.
Smith Oddities is located at 207 East Main Street in downtown Jackson and it’s open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 8pm.
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